A “Thoreauly” Good Bargain for Admission to Walden Pond, Concord, Mass.

For just $5 per car, you can gain admission to Walden Pond in Concord, Mass.

That’s quite impressive, given it’s a major Massachusetts historical travel attraction filled with natural beauty and recreational opportunities. American author Henry David Thoreau lived at Walden Pond from July 1845 to September 1847, so the area has been designated a National Landmark to preserve his legacy.

Walden Pond features a small sandy beach, perfect for sunning (that is, if we ever see the sun again) and swimming. I particularly enjoy the 45-minute, 1.7 mile hike around the pond with its scenic water views and forestry , and an innate sense of peacefulness. It’s a great place to be for this Memorial Day Weekend, the summer, or the fall when the foliage traditionally takes on brilliant colors here. The fishing is pretty good here, too, particularly trout.

As part of the Massachusetts Forests and Parks system, Walden Pond includes 462 acres of protected land, and an overall 2,680 acres that comprise “Walden Woods.” If you are a fan of Thoreau, be sure to check out the replica of Thoreau’s one-room cabin on the premises.

From a distance, Walden Pond might just look like many other ponds in Massachusetts. Once you’re there, however, Walden Pond has almost a magical feeling that cannot be fully described. You just have to experience it. Beautiful place, affordable destination!